Radon education generates student creativity


Georgia students can win a trip to Washington, D.C., and help spread the word about the dangers of radon gas through a poster contest offered by the National Safety Council.

"The goal of the contest is to raise awareness about the harmful effects of elevated levels of indoor radon gas," said Ginger Bennett, a University of Georgia Cooperative Extension radon educator. "The poster contest is also a way to increase the number of homes tested for radon."

Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States and the leading cause of lung cancer in nonsmokers. It is an invisible, odorless, radioactive gas that occurs naturally in rock and soil. It enters homes through cracks and other openings in home foundations.

Radon kills more than 600 Georgians each year. The state is home to the 2004 and 2005 national contest winners.

The contest is open to Georgia students ages 9 to 14.

If a county doesn't have a contest, a student may submit a poster directly to the state for judging. The top three state posters in each category are submitted for judging on the national level. The national winners, their parents and sponsoring adults receive an all-expense-paid trip to the awards ceremony in the nation's capital.

The winning entries are printed on posters, bookmarks and book covers distributed nationally in Radon Action Month each January.

The deadline for the state contest is Oct. 9.

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